Skeppy stood in the middle of the clearing, trees rustling around him with the gentle breeze. The clouds on the horizon were dark with the promise of rain, almost as if they hinted at the outcome of his interactions that evening. Just before sunset, as he always had, Skeppy had snuck out of his home, out of the confines of the kingdom, and out into the forest. Tonight was different from his other meetings, however, as this would be the last time he'd come to the grassy glade.
A sudden rustling from the bushes behind him alerted him to the arrival of his visitor. The boy, hardly any older than Skeppy himself, emerged from the trees and ran toward him, his expression seeming to light up at the sight of Skeppy. Before he could make it halfway across the clearing, Skeppy held out his hand in a firm stopping gesture. The boy stopped in his tracks, staring at Skeppy with a light of confusion in his eyes.
"Skeppy? What's wrong?"
It's for your family.
"H-Hey," his voice wavered.
It's for your future.
"I'm going to have to ask you to stop right there," he kept a brave face despite the swirling of emotions he was feeling inside.
"Skeppy, why-" The boy took a step closer.
"Stop!" Skeppy demanded, drawing his sword. "I'm not coming back here after tonight!"
"Woah! Put down your sword, we're friends, Skeppy!" The boy took a few steps back like a scared animal.
"We can't be friends anymore. I don't know where you're from, but it's not my kingdom and I'm disgracing my family every time I meet with you here," Skeppy did everything he could to hold back the sob, his throat burning with every word.
"They don't know! They don't have to know! After everything, you're chasing me off?" The boy looked hurt, on the verge of tears himself.
"It doesn't matter whether or not they know! I'm being treasonous for ever spending time with you here. I'm leaving tonight and I won't be coming back. Now, I suggest you do the same before I do something we'll both regret."
The boy's gaze fell to the floor. "If all of our time together has meant nothing to you..." A tear slid down his cheek and fell to the grass. "Fine. I'll go. If that's what you want, then fine."
"It is what I want," Skeppy tried to sound matter-of-fact, but there was a level of strain on his voice. "Farewell." As he spoke the words, the boy turned and fled back into the trees. Once he was out of sight, the sky seemed to echo the boys' emotions. A loud rumble filled the air and rain began to pour down, soaking his clothes as Skeppy walked back through the forest from which he came.
YOU ARE READING
Castle on the Hill
Fanfiction[COMPLETE] Skeppy's a prince, preparing for the day he will serve his kingdom. He's had alliances and childhood friends before, but in order to prove himself loyal, Skeppy cut off one of his greatest friendships. It was quite unfortunate that, one d...
